Have you tried forest bathing?
As the air warms and the bushland bursts into bloom, late spring offers a beautiful invitation to slow down and reconnect. Forest bathing, known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku—is the practice of immersing yourself in nature through all your senses. It’s not about hiking or vigorous exercise, but about presence, stillness, and gentle observation.
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing is a mindful nature immersion that encourages you to:
- See the shifting light through leaves
- Hear the rustle of branches and birdsong
- Smell the earthy scents of eucalyptus and soil
- Touch the textures of bark, moss, and stone
- Breathe deeply and slowly, letting nature calm your nervous system
Originating in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing is now recognised globally for its mental and physical health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Improved sleep and immune function
- Enhanced mood and focus
How to begin
You don’t need a guide or any special gear, just a quiet patch of bushland and a willingness to slow down. Try this:
- Leave your phone behind or switch it off
- Walk slowly, without a destination
- Pause often and sit, lean, or even lie down in the grass
- Notice what draws your attention
- Stay for at least 30–60 minutes
You can also join a guided experience, where facilitators lead sensory awareness exercises, breathwork, and gentle movement.
Tips for forest bathing in late spring
- Go early or late in the day to avoid heat and enjoy softer light
- Wear light layers and comfortable shoes
- Bring water, a journal, and leave devices behind
- Pause often, just sit, lie down, or lean against a tree
- Let your senses lead: What do you hear, smell, feel?
Forest bathing is a gentle way to reset with no sweat, no screens, just nature and presence. Let late spring guide you into stillness, and let the forest do the rest
Nearby nature spots
Late spring is ideal for forest bathing in these lush, accessible locations:
| City | Location | Highlights |
| Sydney | Royal National Park & Lane Cove National Park | Guided forest bathing with Nature Being Australia; coastal bushland & riverside trails |
| Melbourne | Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria & Dandenong Ranges | Forest Therapy walks with In My Nature; lush fern gullies and curated gardens |
| Brisbane | Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens & Heartwood Nature Bathing | Guided sensory walks with certified therapists; gentle trails and tea ceremonies |
| Perth | Kings Park & Botanic Garden & Mindful in Nature | Inner-city forest bathing with panoramic views; retreats in Margaret River region |
| Adelaide | Belair National Park & Himeji Japanese Garden | Guided walks with Big Heart Adventures; tranquil Japanese garden immersion |
| Hobart | Nature Be In It – Adult Forest Bathing | Mindful walks in bushland 10 minutes from the city; sensory invitations and deep calm |
| Darwin | George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens (23) | Tropical forest bathing with ancient Boabs and rainforest paths; guided tea ceremony |
| Canberra | [Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve](internal knowledge) & [National Arboretum] | Self-guided sensory walks among native bushland and curated tree collections |
